Aspens and Distant Mountains

Aspens and Distant Mountains
“Aspens and Distant Mountains” — Groves of autumn aspens on the east slope of the Sierra Nevada.

The late-day light on autumn aspens is a fleeting thing, especially here along the east slope of the Sierra Nevada where peaks tower to the west. Over the years I have become familiar with the rhythms of this particular spot. I know that the best light happens during the half hour (or less) before the sun drops behind those peaks. So I arrive a bit early, pack a long lens, and prepare for a half hour or so of intense photography.

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Fallen Leaves

Fallen Leaves
“Fallen Leaves” — Fallen autumn aspen leaves, Eastern Sierra Nevada.

I have spent less time in the Sierra this season than usual — perhaps due to some other travel earlier in the year. I finally got up there near the end of August for a few days of photography and mind-clearing. But over the past two weeks I’ve managed two trips over the crest to photograph the fall color transition and related subjects. This photograph comes from these recent visits.

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Sierra Crest Clouds

Sierra Crest Clouds
“Sierra Crest Clouds” — Morning clouds and fog drift among Sierra Nevada crest peaks.

We’re back from the Sierra Nevada, and I have some new photographs to share. I was actually on the east side of the range twice over the past couple of weeks, mostly chasing autumn aspen color but also photographing other seasonal subjects. October is probably my favorite time in the range, and there was a lot to see, including this impressive sunrise cloud show along the crest near Bishop.

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At The Edge

At The Edge
“At The Edge” — A jumble of Monterey cypress trees at the edge of a Point Lobos cliff.

This is the final photograph in a series of images I made on a morning visit to Point Lobos near the end of September. As I approached the park I drove in thick fog, and I was already contemplating potential subjects to photograph in hose conditions. But in the final mile of my drive the fog began to lift, and sunlight shone through the gaps in the dissipating fog. I reevaluated, picked an area with other visual interests, and thought about how I might use the remaining fog-softened light with these subjects.

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Photographer and visual opportunist. Daily photos since 2005, plus articles, reviews, news, and ideas.